Defensive front finding pressure
The Cowboys are 32nd in total defense, allowing an average of 412 yards per game, last in passing defense, giving up 284.6 yards per game through the air, and are 23rd in rushing defense (127.4 yards per game on the ground). But they're clearly finding their footing, and are more dangerous than those yardage stats might suggest.
Against the Jets,, the front had one of the best games of the season. According to Next Gen Stats, the Cowboys' defense recorded a 50.9 percent pressure rate, their highest mark of the 2025 season.
Twelve different Cowboys defenders recorded at least one pressure in the game, with nearly every defensive player who rushed the passer (12 of 14) successfully generating pressure. Defensive end Dante Fowler Jr. has just four tackles and one sack on the season, but he is pushing the pocket to open up lanes. Against the Jets, he recorded eight pressures on 26 pass rushes, tied for the second-most in a game in his career since at least 2018. Six of Fowler's pressures came under 2.5 seconds, tied for the most in a game since 2018. James Houston also recorded five pressures in the game, tied for the most in his career.
This is also a defense that will punch at the ball, with three turnovers so far, two of which are fumbles.